Bridges to Stem Cell Research and Therapy at Pasadena City College (PCC) is a stem cell training program funded by the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM). The program offers exceptional research, educational, and training opportunities to PCC biotechnology students. Participants have an opportunity to perform a research internship and are eligible for coursework, educational enhancement activities, and training related to stem cell biology and regenerative medicine. They also take part in community outreach activities that increase awareness of stem cell research among high school students in diverse communities as well as patient and healthcare engagement activities to raise their own awareness of the importance of their research efforts. The program has produced highly qualified lab personnel for stem cell research in both academic and industry settings.
Qualifying students selected for the internship program receive a one-year paid internship in a world-class laboratory performing stem cell research. Internship sites include three renowned research institutes: the California Institute of Technology (Caltech), the University of Southern California (USC), and Children’s Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA). Trainees are offered research opportunities with mentors in fields ranging from basic science of stem cells to translational research in regenerative medicine. Selected students are also eligible for coursework, including instruction on the process for development and regulation of new stem cell-based therapies, and educational enhancement activities related to stem cell biology and regenerative medicine. A training course in human embryonic stem cell culture techniques prepares them for the research opportunities.
Educational enhancement activities that prepare students for the internships and enhance their internship experience include: seminars and symposia (intellectual property and confidentiality issues, stem cells and regenerative medicine, bioethics, and stem cell career opportunities); Stem Cell Seminar Series at PCC hosted by CIRM Bridges interns; and specialized workshops (data management, bioinformatics, scientific writing and presentations, and graduate school applications). Interns also take a graduate-level regulatory course at USC, and PCC has added courses in: Advanced Stem Cell Manipulation Techniques (taught in collaboration with Caltech); Applications of Fluorescence Microscopy; and a Stem Cell Journal Club.
The interns also participate in high school and community outreach activities. They visit local high schools to give presentations on stem cell research and host a Stem Cell Training Workshop at PCC for participating high school teachers and selected students. A portable Stem Cell Demonstration Laboratory extends outreach by providing stem cell training in the teachers’ classrooms so that additional students can work with stem cells in an interactive way that may encourage involvement in stem cell research. Teaching modules in Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine have also been developed for outreach purposes. Patient and healthcare engagement activities, including a CHLA hospital tour, allow interns to reach out to the community their research may benefit.
The bridge formed between PCC and institutions engaged in stem cell research and regenerative medicine adds immeasurable value to its Biological Technology Certificate Program. PCC has offered certificates in Biological Technology since 1999 and a Certificate of Achievement in Stem Cell Culture since 2005. Students in PCC’s Biotechnology Program represent the diversity of California’s workforce, including: first generation college students, individuals pursuing a second career, women re-entering the workforce, displaced workers, and veterans. Their educational backgrounds range from no college experience to advanced degrees. More than half have already earned a Bachelor’s degree but need additional training to secure employment or enter postgraduate programs. Those selected for the CIRM Bridges Internship Program are drawn from a diverse pool of Biotechnology Program students and the general student body which is 79% minority, 49% low-income, and 44% first-generation.
Summary: The CIRM-funded program: Bridges to Stem Cell Research and Therapy at Pasadena City College offers advanced stem cell training and research experience to PCC biotechnology students, who bring both laboratory skills and diversity to the California stem cell workforce. Engaging in long-term academic research projects in laboratories performing stem cell research, along with related training activities, has prepared the interns for varied research and career opportunities in stem cell biology and regenerative medicine. After completing the internship program, students have accepted research positions in academia and the biotechnology industry; prepared to transfer to four-year universities; and been accepted into graduate or professional programs.
Reporting Period:
Year 2
Bridges to Stem Cell Research and Therapy at Pasadena City College (PCC) is a stem cell training program funded by the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM). The program offers exceptional research, educational, and training opportunities to PCC biotechnology students. Participants have an opportunity to perform a research internship and are eligible for coursework, educational enhancement activities, and training related to stem cell biology and regenerative medicine. They also take part in community outreach activities that increase awareness of stem cell research among high school students in diverse communities as well as patient and healthcare engagement activities to raise their own awareness of the importance of their research efforts. The program has produced highly qualified lab personnel for stem cell research in both academic and industry settings.
Qualifying students selected for the internship program receive a one-year paid internship in a world-class laboratory performing stem cell research. Internship sites include three renowned research institutes: the California Institute of Technology (Caltech), the University of Southern California (USC), and Children’s Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA). Trainees are offered research opportunities with mentors in fields ranging from basic science of stem cells to translational research in regenerative medicine. Selected students are also eligible for coursework, including instruction on the process for development and regulation of new stem cell-based therapies, and educational enhancement activities related to stem cell biology and regenerative medicine. A training course in human embryonic stem cell culture techniques prepares them for the research opportunities.
Educational enhancement activities that prepare students for the internships and enhance their internship experience include: seminars and symposia (intellectual property and confidentiality issues, stem cells and regenerative medicine, bioethics, and stem cell career opportunities); Stem Cell Seminar Series at PCC hosted by CIRM Bridges interns; and specialized workshops (data management, bioinformatics, scientific writing and presentations, and graduate school applications). Interns also take a graduate-level regulatory course at USC, and PCC has added courses in: Advanced Stem Cell Manipulation Techniques (taught in collaboration with Caltech); Applications of Fluorescence Microscopy; and a Stem Cell Journal Club.
The interns also participate in high school and community outreach activities. They visit local high schools to give presentations on stem cell research and host a Stem Cell Training Workshop at PCC for participating high school teachers and selected students. A portable Stem Cell Demonstration Laboratory extends outreach by providing stem cell training in the teachers’ classrooms so that additional students can work with stem cells in an interactive way that may encourage involvement in stem cell research. Teaching modules in Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine have also been developed for outreach purposes. Patient and healthcare engagement activities, including a CHLA hospital tour, allow interns to reach out to the community their research may benefit.
The bridge formed between PCC and institutions engaged in stem cell research and regenerative medicine adds immeasurable value to its Biological Technology Certificate Program. PCC has offered certificates in Biological Technology since 1999 and a Certificate of Achievement in Stem Cell Culture since 2005. Students in PCC’s Biotechnology Program represent the diversity of California’s workforce, including: first generation college students, individuals pursuing a second career, women re-entering the workforce, displaced workers, and veterans. Their educational backgrounds range from no college experience to advanced degrees. More than half have already earned a Bachelor’s degree but need additional training to secure employment or enter postgraduate programs. Those selected for the CIRM Bridges Internship Program are drawn from a diverse pool of Biotechnology Program students and the general student body which is 79% minority, 44% low-income, and 45% first-generation.
Summary: The CIRM-funded program: Bridges to Stem Cell Research and Therapy at Pasadena City College offers advanced stem cell training and research experience to PCC biotechnology students, who bring both laboratory skills and diversity to the California stem cell workforce. Engaging in long-term academic research projects in laboratories performing stem cell research, along with related training activities, has prepared the interns for varied research and career opportunities in stem cell biology and regenerative medicine. After completing the internship program, students have accepted research positions in academia and the biotechnology industry; prepared to transfer to four-year universities; and been accepted into graduate or professional programs.
Reporting Period:
Year 3
Bridges to Stem Cell Research and Therapy at Pasadena City College (PCC) is a stem cell training program funded by the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM). The program offers exceptional research, educational, and training opportunities to PCC biotechnology students. Participants have an opportunity to perform a research internship and are eligible for coursework, educational enhancement activities, and training related to stem cell biology and regenerative medicine. They also take part in community outreach activities that increase awareness of stem cell research among high school students in diverse communities as well as patient and healthcare engagement activities to raise their own awareness of the importance of their research efforts. The program has produced highly qualified lab personnel for stem cell research in both academic and industry settings.
Qualifying students selected for the internship program receive a one-year paid internship in a world-class laboratory performing stem cell research. Internship sites include three renowned research institutes: the California Institute of Technology (Caltech), the University of Southern California (USC), and Children’s Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA). Trainees are offered research opportunities with mentors in fields ranging from basic science of stem cells to translational research in regenerative medicine. Selected students are also eligible for coursework, including instruction on the process for development and regulation of new stem cell-based therapies, and educational enhancement activities related to stem cell biology and regenerative medicine. A training course in human embryonic stem cell culture techniques prepares them for the research opportunities.
Educational enhancement activities that prepare students for the internships and enhance their internship experience include: seminars and symposia (intellectual property and confidentiality issues, stem cells and regenerative medicine, bioethics, and stem cell career opportunities); Stem Cell Seminar Series at PCC hosted by CIRM Bridges interns; and specialized workshops (data management, bioinformatics, scientific writing and presentations, and graduate school applications). Interns also take a graduate-level regulatory course at USC, and PCC has added courses in: Advanced Stem Cell Manipulation Techniques (taught in collaboration with Caltech); Applications of Fluorescence Microscopy; and a Stem Cell Journal Club.
The interns also participate in high school and community outreach activities. They visit local high schools to give presentations on stem cell research and host a Stem Cell Training Workshop at PCC for participating high school teachers and selected students. A portable Stem Cell Demonstration Laboratory extends outreach by providing stem cell training in the teachers’ classrooms so that additional students can work with stem cells in an interactive way that may encourage involvement in stem cell research. Teaching modules in Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine have also been developed for outreach purposes. Patient and healthcare engagement activities, including a CHLA hospital tour, allow interns to reach out to the community their research may benefit.
The bridge formed between PCC and institutions engaged in stem cell research and regenerative medicine adds immeasurable value to its Biological Technology Certificate Program. PCC has offered certificates in Biological Technology since 1999 and a Certificate of Achievement in Stem Cell Culture since 2005. Students in the PCC Biotechnology Program represent the diversity of California’s workforce, including: first generation college students, individuals pursuing a second career, women re-entering the workforce, displaced workers, and veterans. Their educational backgrounds range from no college experience to advanced degrees. More than half have already earned a Bachelor’s degree but need additional training to secure employment or enter postgraduate programs. Those selected for the CIRM Bridges Internship Program are drawn from a diverse pool of Biotechnology Program students and the general student body which is 79% minority, 44% low-income, and 45% first-generation.
Summary: The CIRM-funded program: Bridges to Stem Cell Research and Therapy at Pasadena City College offers advanced stem cell training and research experience to PCC biotechnology students, who bring both laboratory skills and diversity to the California stem cell workforce. Engaging in long-term academic research projects in laboratories performing stem cell research, along with related training activities, has prepared the interns for varied research and career opportunities in stem cell biology and regenerative medicine. After completing the internship program, students have accepted research positions in academia and the biotechnology industry; prepared to transfer to four-year universities; and been accepted into graduate or professional programs.
Reporting Period:
Year 4
Bridges to Stem Cell Research and Therapy at Pasadena City College (PCC) is a stem cell training program funded by the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM). The program offers exceptional research, educational, and training opportunities to PCC biotechnology students. Participants have an opportunity to perform a research internship and are eligible for coursework, educational enhancement activities, and training related to stem cell biology and regenerative medicine. They also take part in community outreach activities that increase awareness of stem cell research among high school students in diverse communities as well as patient and healthcare engagement activities to raise their own awareness of the importance of their research efforts. The program has produced highly qualified lab personnel for stem cell research in both academic and industry settings.
Qualifying students selected for the internship program receive a one-year paid internship in a world-class laboratory performing stem cell research. Internship sites include three renowned research institutes: the California Institute of Technology (Caltech), the University of Southern California (USC), and Children’s Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA). Trainees are offered research opportunities with mentors in fields ranging from basic science of stem cells to translational research in regenerative medicine. Selected students are also eligible for coursework, including instruction on the process for development and regulation of new stem cell-based therapies, and educational enhancement activities related to stem cell biology and regenerative medicine. A training course in human embryonic stem cell culture techniques prepares them for the research opportunities.
Educational enhancement activities that prepare students for the internships and enhance their internship experience include: seminars and symposia (intellectual property and confidentiality issues, stem cells and regenerative medicine, bioethics, and stem cell career opportunities); Stem Cell Seminar Series at PCC hosted by CIRM Bridges interns; and specialized workshops (data management, bioinformatics, scientific writing and presentations, and graduate school applications). Interns also take a graduate-level regulatory course at USC, and PCC has added courses and related training in: Advanced Stem Cell Manipulation Techniques; Applications of Fluorescence Microscopy; and a Stem Cell Journal Club.
The interns also participate in high school and community outreach activities. They visit local high schools to give presentations on stem cell research and host a Stem Cell Training Workshop at PCC for participating high school teachers and selected students. A portable Stem Cell Demonstration Laboratory extends outreach by providing stem cell training in the teachers’ classrooms so that additional students can work with stem cells in an interactive way that may encourage involvement in stem cell research. Teaching modules in Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine have also been developed for outreach purposes. Patient and healthcare engagement activities, including a CHLA hospital tour, allow interns to reach out to the community their research may benefit.
The bridge formed between PCC and institutions engaged in stem cell research and regenerative medicine adds immeasurable value to its Biological Technology Certificate Program. PCC has offered certificates in Biological Technology since 1999 and a Certificate of Achievement in Stem Cell Culture since 2005. Students in the PCC Biotechnology Program represent the diversity of California’s workforce, including: first generation college students, individuals pursuing a second career, women re-entering the workforce, displaced workers, and veterans. Their educational backgrounds range from no college experience to advanced degrees. More than half have already earned a Bachelor’s degree but need additional training to secure employment or enter postgraduate programs. Those selected for the CIRM Bridges Internship Program are drawn from a diverse pool of Biotechnology Program students and the general student body which is 79% minority, 44% low-income, and 45% first-generation.
Summary: The CIRM-funded program: Bridges to Stem Cell Research and Therapy at Pasadena City College offers advanced stem cell training and research experience to PCC biotechnology students, who bring both laboratory skills and diversity to the California stem cell workforce. Engaging in long-term academic research projects in laboratories performing stem cell research, along with related training activities, has prepared the interns for varied research and career opportunities in stem cell biology and regenerative medicine. After completing the internship program, students have accepted research positions in academia and the biotechnology industry; prepared to transfer to four-year universities; and been accepted into graduate or professional programs.
Reporting Period:
Year 5 NCE
Bridges to Stem Cell Research and Therapy at Pasadena City College (PCC) is a stem cell training program funded by the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM). The program offers exceptional research, educational, and training opportunities to PCC biotechnology students. Participants have an opportunity to perform a research internship and are eligible for coursework, educational enhancement activities, and training related to stem cell biology and regenerative medicine. They also take part in community outreach activities that increase awareness of stem cell research among high school students in diverse communities as well as patient and healthcare engagement activities to raise their own awareness of the importance of their research efforts. The program has produced highly qualified lab personnel for stem cell research in both academic and industry settings.
Qualifying students selected for the internship program receive a one-year paid internship in a world-class laboratory performing stem cell research. Internship sites include three renowned research institutes: the California Institute of Technology (Caltech), the University of Southern California (USC), and Children’s Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA). Trainees are offered research opportunities with mentors in fields ranging from basic science of stem cells to translational research in regenerative medicine. Selected students are also eligible for coursework, including instruction on the process for development and regulation of new stem cell-based therapies, and educational enhancement activities related to stem cell biology and regenerative medicine. A training course in human pluripotent stem cell culture techniques prepares them for the research opportunities.
Educational enhancement activities that prepare students for the internships and enhance their internship experience include: seminars and symposia (intellectual property and confidentiality issues, stem cells and regenerative medicine, bioethics, and stem cell career opportunities) and specialized workshops (data management, bioinformatics, scientific writing and presentations, and graduate school applications). Interns also take a graduate-level regulatory course at USC, and PCC has added courses and related training in: Advanced Stem Cell Manipulation Techniques; Applications of Fluorescence Microscopy; and a Stem Cell Journal Club.
The interns also participate in high school and community outreach activities. They give presentations on stem cell research at several high schools in the local community. A portable Stem Cell Demonstration Laboratory redesigned as a series of modified, virtual stem cell training sessions extends outreach by providing stem cell training in the teachers’ classrooms so that students can work with stem cells in an interactive way that may encourage involvement in stem cell research. Teaching modules in Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine have also been developed for outreach purposes. Patient and healthcare engagement activities, allow interns to reach out to the community their research may benefit.
The bridge formed between PCC and institutions engaged in stem cell research and regenerative medicine adds immeasurable value to its Biological Technology Certificate Program. PCC has offered certificates in Biological Technology since 1999 and a Certificate of Achievement in Stem Cell Culture since 2005. Students in the PCC Biotechnology Program represent the diversity of California’s workforce, including: first generation college students, individuals pursuing a second career, women re-entering the workforce, displaced workers, and veterans. Their educational backgrounds range from no college experience to advanced degrees. More than half have already earned a Bachelor’s degree but need additional training to secure employment or enter postgraduate programs. Those selected for the CIRM Bridges Internship Program are drawn from a diverse pool of Biotechnology Program students and the general student body which is 79% minority, 44% low-income, and 45% first-generation.
Summary: The CIRM-funded program: Bridges to Stem Cell Research and Therapy at Pasadena City College offers advanced stem cell training and research experience to PCC biotechnology students, who bring both laboratory skills and diversity to the California stem cell workforce. Engaging in long-term academic research projects in laboratories performing stem cell research, along with related training activities, has prepared the interns for varied research and career opportunities in stem cell biology and regenerative medicine. After completing the internship program, students have accepted research positions in academia and the biotechnology industry; prepared to transfer to four-year universities; and been accepted into graduate or professional programs.
Grant Application Details
Application Title:
Bridges to Stem Cell Research and Therapy at Pasadena City College
Public Abstract:
The proposed CIRM Bridges to Stem Cell Research and Therapy Award will support further development of an existing stem cell biology training program that includes a wide range of internship opportunities, a rigorous curriculum, substantive auxiliary training opportunities, and stem cell techniques coursework at a CIRM-funded Shared Research Laboratory. Based upon the applicant institution’s demographics (77% minorities, 49% low-income, and 44% first-generation) and their experience in biotechnology training and a current internship program, it is anticipated that CIRM Bridges interns recruited for the project will represent the diversity of California’s population. The grant project will build on existing partnerships between the home institution and three outstanding host institutions that have collaborated on earlier projects to enhance stem cell research. Potential interns will be recruited through strong community outreach, including dissemination of General Education modules for stem cell education, inviting students from other colleges to seminars and activities, advertising to campus and community, and support from established biotechnology research and training centers.
The CIRM Bridges program will provide up to 50 one-year internships over five years. Interns will be required to complete Certificates of Achievement in Biological Technology (or equivalent) and Stem Cell Culture. Courses added to the curriculum include advanced stem cell techniques (collaboration with a host institution), fluorescent microscopy, and a journal club. A stem cell unit has been added to RNA Interference and majors Cell and Molecular Biology courses. General Education stem cell modules have been produced at collegiate and secondary levels. Auxiliary training includes seminars (intellectual property and confidentiality, Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, bioethics, stem cell career opportunities), specialized workshops (data management, bioinformatics, scientific writing and presentations, graduate school applications), scientific meetings and symposiums, and research presentations. Interns will also take part in patient and healthcare engagement activities and study the regulatory pathway and therapy development process.
The training will prepare CIRM Bridges interns to work at many levels in stem cell research labs (lab assistant, lab manager, professional staff, and research associates), or to continue in postgraduate programs. Trainees will be offered research opportunities with mentors in fields ranging from basic science of stem cells to translational research in regenerative medicine.
By combining established programs and partnerships, rigorous curriculum, mentoring at both the home and host institutions, performance evaluations of trainees and program, and experienced leadership and research opportunities at partner institutions, the program will produce highly qualified lab personnel for stem cell research in both academic and industry settings.
Statement of Benefit to California:
The proposed CIRM Bridges to Stem Cell Research and Therapy Award will fulfill CIRM’s objectives to: create stem cell training programs that significantly enhance the technical skills, knowledge, and research experience of a diverse cohort of trainees in the development of stem cell-based therapies; foster a commitment among trainees to the goal of accelerating the delivery of stem cell-based therapies to patients; and broaden the participation in stem cell science of individuals representing the diversity of California’s population. The diversity of prospective interns is ensured by both the applicant institution’s demographics (77% are minorities, 49% are low-income, and 44% are first-generation) and their experience with disadvantaged and underrepresented student populations in their biotechnology and internship programs.
The grant will support and enhance an existing stem cell biology training program that includes:
• internship opportunities with mentors in fields ranging from basic science of stem cells to translational research in regenerative medicine
• up to 50 one-year internships over life of the grant
• rigorous curriculum and established Biotechnology Certificate Program
• established partnerships between the home and host institutions
• substantive auxiliary training opportunities
• patient and healthcare engagement activities
• coursework on the regulatory pathway and therapy development process
• stem cell techniques coursework at a CIRM-funded Shared Research Laboratory
• extensive mentoring and program evaluation strategies
• experienced leadership at partner institutions
These attributes will ensure that the program produces highly qualified lab personnel from diverse backgrounds for stem cell research in both academic and industry settings.
